“People have been interested and engaged,” adds Joe Marzahl, metal product manager at Firestone Building Products.
Schiavone says he’s seen an emerging trend at the show of manufacturers “offering more modern and diverse finishes” for architectural metal products.
“Up until now, the industry has largely produced new finishes for roofing applications. However, now we are seeing more striking options for wall applications,” he says. “Metal industry professionals are used to seeing traditional Kynar finishes, but this year, there are many exciting advancements with providing project stakeholders with more options that ultimately break free from conventional aesthetics and functions.
“Manufacturers are offering more painted and even some stone finishes that allow for improved creativity, selection, and innovation.”
C.R. Laurence is showcasing a wide range of metal architectural systems including innovative aluminum railing systems, metal panels, sunshades and its complete line of Guarda security screen products.
“Attendees are ultimately seeking quality metal products with improved features and new innovations that stay current with architects’, contractors’ and installers’ performance needs and aesthetic vision,” says Schiavone. “We meet this challenge with our expansive line of new and popular aluminum products that the industry has come to trust. “
Marzahl says trends he’s seeing at Metalcon this week are the use of standing seam roof panels for wall applications, as well as an interest in using zinc on the roof for aesthetic appeal and other functions.
Marzahl says Firestone Building Products’ most recent additions to the Una-Clad product line, which include perforated and no-return metal wall panels, have garnered a lot of attention.
“[Visitors] are also really surprised to learn Firestone Building Products offers metal roof coatings and a cavity wall system,” he says. “We’re known for our metal wall and roofing panels, but people are interested in learning about our new additions.”
The show has also served as a celebration of sorts for Valspar market manager, metal buildings John Kelly, who was inducted to the Metal Roofing Hall of Fame upon his 50th anniversary with the company.
At Metalcon, Valsar is showcasing “how it leverages sustainable solutions to strengthen not only its product offerings, but reinforce the environmental importance and impact on customers.”
The company highlighted its Fluropon, WeatherXL and WeatherXL Crinkle Finish coating products.
PPG Industries, meanwhile, is showing its recently introduced Duranar GR and Coraflon GR coating systems, which are formulated with a graffiti-resistant clear barrier coating over the pigmented color layer. PPG is also debuting new concept colors for Duranar VARI-Cool coatings, which combine its proprietary Ultra-Cool infrared-reflective coating technology with “special pigments” that appear to shift color when viewed from different angles or in changing light conditions.
Metalcon, which kicked off Wednesday, will wrap up today.